Many older adults have spent much of their lives taking care of others. This can make it difficult to put their own needs first.
Getting a good night’s sleep is one of the most important aspects of self care. This can help boost the immune system and reduce the risk for chronic health conditions.
1. Exercise
Exercise is one of the most important aspects of self care. However, it’s possible to approach fitness in unhealthy ways.
If you dread going to the gym or feel like you are stuck in a rut, it’s time to change your habits. Find new exercise activities you love. You might enjoy taking a yoga class or dancing on the weekend with friends.
2. Eat Healthy
Eating a nutritious breakfast or snack can give you energy and boost your mood throughout the day. Swap sugary snacks for ones like bananas with peanut butter, yogurt with berries, or veggies and hummus.
Self care is personal for everyone, and it may mean eating a healthful diet, getting enough sleep, or practicing stress reduction techniques. The key is to make it work for your lifestyle and schedule.
3. Get Enough Sleep
A great way to boost your mood is by getting a good night’s rest. Sleep can also improve your immune system and overall health, making it a crucial part of self care.
To get enough sleep, try to go to bed at the same time each night and wake up at a consistent time. Also, try to avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed.
4. Stay Connected With Your Friends
While common self care activities like a weekly massage or mindful meditation sound amazing they can be expensive and time consuming. For young adults these can be more challenging to stick with than a simple strategy like a gratitude journal or positive affirmations.
For younger clients, encouraging them to stay connected with friends in person or even on video chat is an excellent way of practicing self-care. Socializing releases oxytocin and helps reduce feelings of loneliness.
5. Practice Self-Care Techniques
Practicing self-care techniques is important because it can lead to improved mental, emotional and physical health. However, many self-care activities sound expensive and time-consuming, which may not be realistic for most people.
Fortunately, there are many easy ways to practice self-care. Things like taking a bath or even just making your bed in the morning can help you feel more energized and confident throughout the day.
6. Take a Bath
The bath is a ritual that helps you connect with your soul. It can help improve your mood, relax your muscles & promote skin health.
It also kills bacteria, boosts the immune system & relieves sinus & breathing issues.
Soak in warm water, light candles & play soothing music for an unforgettable self care experience. You can even keep a gratitude journal or a positivity jar filled with compliments & happy thoughts to remember when you need a lift.
7. Listen to Music
If you’re an anxious person, listening to slow or calming music can help you relax. It can even lower your heart rate.
Listening to music can help you focus on your goals and refocus when your mind gets distracted. It can also be a fun way to pass the time or reminisce with friends.
Singing and humming to soothing music can stimulate the vagus nerve, which helps relax your body.
8. Take a Long Walk
Taking a long walk releases feel-good hormones, reduces stress, and improves your memory and attention span. It’s also a great opportunity to enjoy your surroundings and meet your neighbors.
Self care tips like getting a weekly massage or spending a weekend at the spa sound wonderful but may not be feasible for many people. Instead, try incorporating one of these simple self-care activities into your daily routine.
9. Get a Massage
While a weekly massage or a trip to the spa are great self-care ideas, they’re also expensive and time-consuming. As an alternative, a simple at-home self-massage can be beneficial, Pink says. Self-massage can even help you learn more about your body by highlighting tight or sore spots, she adds. It can also boost oxytocin, a hormone that makes you feel good. A 2020 study found that couples who give each other massages feel happier and closer.
10. Try Yoga
It might seem counterintuitive to add yoga to your list of self care tips, but it can help you feel better physically and mentally. It also helps you become more aware of your emotions and how they affect your body.
Practicing yoga can help you set boundaries with others by teaching you to say no. This is an important step in self care, because people-pleasers can have a hard time setting healthy boundaries.